Torn In Two | Thorin Oakenshield |

2. Little Chats

A/N: Shorter chapter but more will be revealed in the next one...

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The moment the sun rose the next day after Thorin and I's encounter, I expected the dwarves to have a change in attitude towards me. Assuming that our "noble" leader spoke to them of what happened but it seems as though he didn't. Most had even greeted me with smiles this morning and I actually had a decent breakfast for once.

Quite strange, considering that those of royal blood don't take too kindly to disrespect. It saves me the trouble of getting a headache at least. Well. A worse one. The irritation I have towards these men will never cease until they learn to hold their tongues.

I cover my mouth as a yawn threatens to arise and glance over my shoulder to those that are currently bickering. At first, most of the group was having a laugh with Bilbo being the topic since he's a Halfling. That is until he literally sprinted all the way to us and showed the signed contract.

Half of the noise had stopped once that occurred but apparently even dwarves can be petty. Dori has been at it ever since we left and it only escalated when he lost the bet. A few other murmurs have sounded here and there but it's already been more than a few hours.

With that amount of time, we've managed to go over hills, ride down mountains and cross a few forests. Nothing too serious has happened just yet so the ride has been rather boring. By the orders of Thorin, the plan is to keep going until it gets dark and I believe he's just eager to return to his precious Erebor. Darkness has already begun to set and I can't stand another second of-

"Waste of time." Dori grumbles loudly for the hundredth time and he's the one I found the most annoying, "Seriously, a Halfling? A woman is bad enough and now we've been cursed with a Hobbit?" His sentence causes me to pull hard on the reins and it causes Sefera to whine loudly.

She comes to an abrupt stop and I twist my body around in order to give him a dark look. Those behind also halt since I'm blocking the way and Dori notices the attention I'm giving him. The woman comment I can handle but having to hear his voice for this long is a big no. His presence already pisses me off and I can't wait until my orders are done.

He opens his mouth to speak but his brother, Nori, pokes at his side to silence him.

"If another complaint comes out of that mouth then I'll make sure your mare bucks you off." I growl lowly and snap my fingers so that his mount will stand on its hind legs.

All the dwarves, including Dori, shout at the ponies sudden outburst and I point my finger down to end the torment. Widened eyes are sent my way and Dori is still holding onto the ponies neck tightly. A slight dizziness takes over my senses, but I shake it off and allow a few seconds to pass until I'm sure he gets the message.

Some amount of guilt forms for using my abilities on the poor animal but I swiftly turn back around to cease the hold up. Thorin, and all the others in front don't hide the fact that they were watching, and tap on their steeds as well. Don't see me over here complaining. I think to myself and allow my pony, Sefera, to take control.

"Remind me to never make her angry." Nori's voice hits my ears and I close my eyes to block everything out.

This journey is going to be the death of me. First I lash out at Thorin and then I use my abilities out of anger. What was Master thinking when he had me sign that stupid contract? He knows how easily frustrated I get and that's gonna cause me to fail the mission.

"Did you hear me, Arina?"

Bilbo's sudden question causes me to sigh and I open my eyelids to give a forced smile. "I'm sorry, what?"